Museveni Congratulates Cranes Players After Beating Amavubi in Kigali

President Yoweri Museveni has congratulated Uganda Cranes after the national team defeated Rwanda Amavubi Stars 1-0 at the Stade De Kigali on Thursday night to record the first victory during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar group E qualifier.

Forward Azizi Fahad Bayo was the hero with the all-important goal, coming in the 41st minute.

Bayo showed the typical goal poacher’s instincts, stabbing home a rebounded ball off Bobosi Byaruhanga shot after an initial free-kick delivery by Isaac Muleme.

President Museveni used his social media channels to express his happiness at the result.

"I congratulate our national soccer team, thev@UgandaCranes for this important victory against Rwanda's Amavubi Stars. May your tactical discipline come out on top again in your next fixture and in the remaining qualifying games," Mr Museveni tweeted.

Several Ugandans took to social media to show their appreciation to the Cranes players while others taunted the Rwandan team.

The game which is the most trending topic on Twitter has also turned political with some Ugandans sending a message to Rwanda to open to a long-closed border at Katuna. Some even shared an old video in which Rwandan President Paul Kagame is heard telling his national team to stop wasting time in competitive football.

"I will even advise Rwandans to forget about football and instead watch how other teams play," Mr Kagame says.

A google search reveals that President Kagame was speaking at a press conference at Village Urugwiro on June 15, 2013 a day before Amavubi Stars lost to Algeria 0-1 in a Group H 2014 World Cup qualifier at Amahoro National Stadium.

The Rwandan leader who is also an Arsenal supporter has of late been tweeting about Arsenal's poor performance but hasn't tweeted about Thursday's defeat to the Uganda Cranes.

Uganda defended gallantly and missed the opportunity to double the scores when Steven Dese Mukwala miss-kicked a ball from close range.

Muleme and goal scorer Bayo were lost through injuries but there is hope that by the time the two sides face off on Sunday at the St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, there will have been recoveries.

Captain Khalid Aucho, defender Timothy Denis Awany and forward Cromwell Rwothomio were all cautioned in the game.

Abdul Azizi Kayondo earned his first senior cap when he replaced Muleme. Julius Poloto, Martin Kizza, Rwothomio and Yunus Sentamu were also granted game time for Byaruhanga, Moses Waiswa, Bayo and Steven Mukwala respectively.

The team returns home on Friday morning and will straight away embark on the recovery drills for the Sunday match at Kitende.

Uganda now has 5 points off three matches.

Uganda Cranes XI: Charles Lukwago (GK), Denis Iguma, Isaac Muleme, Enock Walusimbi, Timothy Awanyi, Khalid Aucho (Captain), Taddeo Lwanga, Bobosi Byaruhanga, Moses Waiswa, Azizi Fahad Bayo, Steven Mukwala

Subs: Isima Bin Rashid Watenga (GK), Alionzi Nafian (GK), Innocent Wafula, Aziizi Kayondo, Mustafa Kiiza, Livingstone Mulondo, Geofrey Wasswa, Najib Fesali, Shafik Kagimu, Julius Poloto, Ibrahim Orit, Martin Kizza, Cromwell Rwothomio, Yunus Sentamu